If you find yourself travelling through the South Burnett region, you’ll find Kingaroy around a two and a half hours drive North-West of Brisbane City. It sits on the junction of the two major highways in the area, the Bunya Highway and the D’Aguilar Highway. The population of Kingaroy is just over ten thousand currently, making it one of the larger outback Queensland pit stops, loaded with all of your shopping needs.
Thinking of spending a day or two in Kingaroy and wondering what there is to do?
Below is a list of the 5 must do experiences in Kingaroy that will make your trip worthwhile and memorable.
1. The Peanut Experience
Kingaroy is known as the ‘Peanut Capitol of Australia’ for a reason. It’s home to Australia’s largest peanut processing plant and as soon as you drive into town you’ll notice the many silos protruding above the buildings (also you’ll smell them). There are two famous landmarks in Kingaroy where you can purchase your peanut products.
The first is Crumpton’s Peanut farm. Crumpton’s is a third gen growing and processing farm; the only complete supply chain company in Australia. Their products include a few different flavours of peanuts, with shells, roasted and also a peanut oil. You can purchase their products straight from their farm roadside stand and while you are there you can get a photo with the two big peanuts! Most of their products are $7.
The second is the famous ‘The Peanut Van‘. You’ll find ‘The Peanut Van’ franchise around a few different locations and markets in the Fraser Coast and South Burnett regions. They sell a wide variety of products and flavours from brittle, peanut paste, oil, sweet and savoury nuts and merchandise. Their main van is located in the middle of town and the products range from $4 to over $20.
2. Mt Wooroolin Lookout
Located about 4km West of Kingaroy you’ll find the Mt Wooroolin Lookout. Please note the road to the top of the lookout is very steep. It is not suitable for cars towing caravans, buses, motorhomes or heavy vehicles. There is however a turn around point at the base of the hill where you can park and hike to the top. If you would prefer a less steep walk, and a much more scenic route, there is a dirt trail head from this car park area that will wind its way up to the lookout (be warned there’s stairs). At the top you’ll find a grassed picnic area with tables and an elevated platform where you can view a stunning 360 degree panorama around Kingaroy way out to the Bunya Mountain Range.
3. Kinglsey Grove Estate Winery
If you’re looking for a place to stay as well as something to do in Kingaroy then look no further than Kingsley Grove Estate. This family run vineyard provides free camping to self contained motorhomes and caravans right next to their cellar door. Here you are able to partake in wine tastings, dine at the beautiful restaurant and consume as many creamy wine flavoured ice creams as you desire. This is a self sustaining winery operating everything onsite, utilizing the concept of berry to bottle. Since the vineyards beginning in 1998 they have extended their vines to create a variety of unique red and white wines. All of which you can sample and purchase at the property. The restaurant is open on the weekends serving their famous woodfired pizzas and cheese boards. During the week wine tastings and ice creams are still available. You are free to walk the vineyard and you can even bring your pet! Book in advance so you know you’re not going to miss out on this great stay.
4. Pottique Lavender Farm
It’s impossible to miss the Pottique Lavender Farm on the drive into Kingaroy as it sits right on the highway. The rows of roadside lavender bushes will catch your eye and then you’ll smell their beautiful scents. Open weekends from 10am. The farm hosts a café, an antique store, the largest lavender product warehouse in Australia and a cellar door offering liquors and wines, all things lavender of course. It’s free to enter and enjoy the cottage gardens however if you wish to sample the famous lavender scones and liquors be sure to plan a trip on the weekend.
5. The Kingaroy Observatory
If you’ll be staying in town overnight then the Kingaroy Observatory should be on your list of things to do also. You’ll find it situated out next to the airport, about a five minute drive out of town. This observatory is the largest self funded Astro Tourism business in Qld. Night shows are run by local astronomer James Barclay and run for approximately two hours from 7pm. Shows are only run on dark nights so don’t plan on visiting during the full moon. There is also a minimum attendee number so if you are traveling alone don’t expect to book and be able to attend a show on your own, it’s best to call and confirm the availability. Shows are priced at $35p adult and are suitable for 5yo and over. Depending on the time of the month the shows fluctuate between ‘Stars and Planets’ and ‘Moon and Planets’.
This is just the beginning of the local attractions you can find to do in Kingaroy. If you partake in any of these experiences I’d love to hear about your outback adventures in the comments below.
Happy wandering x
